The Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), Pusa, New Delhi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)on June 26 to enhance collaboration in agricultural research and education.

The primary objectives of this partnership are to provide exposure and conduct value-added short-term training in horticulture, floriculture, and landscaping for students and trainers at the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Leh and Kargil. ICAR-IARI will also serve as a technical advisor to upgrade the laboratory infrastructure for horticulture and floriculture trades at these government ITIs.

Key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU include:

• Facilitating 'Applied Research' initiatives at ITIs focusing on high-altitude horticulture and floriculture practices.
• Exploring opportunities for academic and cultural exchanges in teaching, research, and related activities.
• Providing specialized training in horticulture, floriculture, and landscaping for ITI students and trainers.
• Establishing a practical research cell dedicated to high-altitude horticulture, floriculture, and landscaping at ITIs in Leh and Kargil.

The signing ceremony and subsequent discussions on the future roadmap of the collaboration were attended by Padma Angmo, IIS, Commissioner/Secretary of the Technical Education & Skill Development Department, Ladakh; Dr. C Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI; Dr. B. S. Tomar, Head and Professor of the Vegetable Science Division, ICAR-IARI; Dr. Markandey Singh, Head and Principal Scientist of the Floriculture & Landscaping Division, ICAR-IARI; Dr. O.P. Awasthi, Head and Principal Scientist of the Fruits and Horticultural Technology Division, ICAR-IARI; Dr. Pramod Kumar, Incharge PME, ICAR-IARI; Dr. Murtaza Hasan, Principal Scientist of the Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, ICAR-IARI; Abied Hussain, Superintendent ITI Kargil; and Thinles Wangchuk, Superintendent ITI Leh.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing agricultural education and research capabilities in Ladakh, fostering sustainable development in the region.